Page 26 of Enchanted Hero (The Secret Enchanters #1)

For a few minutes, they ate in blissful silence. Even without conversation, the mood was comfortable, calm and perfect . She was more relaxed – and less inebriated – when they finished.

He lowered his napkin and regarded her. “Tell me about yourself.”

Everleigh hesitated. It was difficult enough discussing business matters with the man who had stolen her company. Opening up about her life seemed far too personal. “To be honest, most of my time is spent on New Age Treasures.”

“Breaking and entering and that sort of thing?” he teased.

She flashed a small smile. “No, that was a special occasion. Clearly, you inspire me to break the law.”

He winked. “I get that a lot.”

“I bet you do,” she bantered, succumbing to a wider grin. “I devote a lot of time to selecting products. Of course, my favorite part is searching for one-of-a-kind treasures. I find it so fascinating.”

“Why?” He seemed genuinely curious, as he interlocked his fingers. “You don’t even know if they are genuine.”

She looked out at the stars twinkling over the water. “It reminds me there are still mysteries out there, and so much more to this world than obvious. Just maybe there is some magic.”

“Do you truly think so?” he asked softly.

“I know you don’t believe in that stuff, but what happened with the tornado convinced me.”

“What about hobbies?” He swiftly changed the subject. “What do you like to do, besides breaking the law?”

She lifted a finger. “You’re never going to let that go, are you?”

“Probably not.”

She gave a wry smile. “Believe it or not, I’m not a career criminal.

Besides work, I like to spend time outdoors.

I try to be physically active by running and exercising.

I enjoy movies and festivals and craft fairs because I love seeing what people can create. I spend time with friends and family.”

“Do you have a large family?”

“Not too large. Just one sister, my parents and a handful of cousins, aunts and uncles. No one lives local. I have some good friends, though. What about you?”

“Mine is pretty sizeable,” Alexander shared. “There are five of us, and each of my parents had four siblings, so family gatherings are large. From my businesses, I’ve amassed colleagues and friends all over the world.”

“I’ve always wanted to travel more.” Everleigh sighed. “Where have you been?”

“Pretty much everywhere.”

“Oh yeah?” she teased. “What about the moon?”

“Only twice,” he answered without a pause. “There’s not really a lot to do there, but I’m considering investing in a bowling alley.” His eyes twinkled. “I love exploring different cultures.”

“I’m surprised you get to spend so much time abroad with all your business ventures. I’ve seen pictures of you at state dinners and royal visits.”

His smile widened. “You’ve seen pictures of me?”

“You’re all over the Internet.” She plucked at her napkin. “I wasn’t investigating you.”

“It’s okay. I investigated you.”

Her stomach somersaulted, even as she pressed forward. “You’d think it would be easy to investigate you. You’ve had more news coverage than most celebrities. But there’s still something mysterious, as if there’s an entire side you keep hidden.”

He sobered in an instant. “There’s nothing special about me except my business acumen. Reporters make thousands of dollars taking pictures of me. If there was anything unusual, they would’ve found it long ago.”

It seemed logical, yet logic hadn’t played a large part of her life since Alexander Stone entered it. Still, she didn’t want to hurt the tentative camaraderie they’d found. “How do you keep up with such a hectic schedule?”

He visibly relaxed. “I don’t get a lot of sleep. I employ trustworthy people and have my own private transportation.”

“A rocket ship?”

He laughed. “That’s it.”

Somehow, he was even more gorgeous now, his smile brilliant against the deep blue night.

“People go to extreme measures just to get an audience with you.” She brushed a lock of hair from her forehead.

“Everyone bows down to you like you’re royalty.

Do you know how many women would love to be in my place right now? ”

“Three?”

“Try three million. And I’ve been trying to get rid of you all day.”

“How’s that working out for you?”

She gestured to the boat. “Not great, as you can see.”

They both laughed again, then talked more about their likes and dislikes, activities and experiences.

They converged a surprising amount, especially on important matters, such as political views.

She was laughing at one of his childhood tales, when he rose.

“Be right back,” he said with a wink. A few minutes later, he returned with two generous servings of tiramisu.

The man knew how to impress a woman.

She sighed as she bit into thick layers of cream and cocoa. “I’m seriously going to steal your chef. Not that I could afford him, but still. Maybe I’ll kidnap him.”

“Have I led you to a life of crime, Miss Lacey?”

She took another bite of the delectable pastry. “This dessert might just be worth jail time.” She regarded him carefully. “How long are you planning to spend with New Age Treasures? We’re miniscule compared to your other holdings.”

“As long as it takes to accomplish my goals.”

What were his goals? The question danced on her tongue, yet the words wouldn’t form. “We might as well be two different species, we’re so different.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” He lifted his glass. “We’re both human, after all.”

“Are we?”

She froze.

What had she said? Had she literally just accused him of not being human? Only visions of the tornado swirled, amidst flashes of the hero and the similarities between the two men. She never meant to voice her wine-induced theory.

“Of course.” His voice emerged low, dangerous. “What did you mean by that?”

“Nothing,” she said quietly.

He stared at her for an eternity. “There’s something I’d like to show you.” No doubt the change in subject was merely a temporary reprieve. Tingles spread throughout her body as he grasped her hand, yet instead of leaning away, she pressed closer.

They emerged into the open air, and Alexander pointed to the sky. “Look up.”

Everleigh obeyed and gasped. A million diamonds studded a black velvet sky, etching constellations around a brilliant full moon. Her host leaned on the railing, but his hand remained on her. “Amazing, isn’t it?”

She nodded. They Intracoastal was wide but not huge, a watery street of multi-million dollar mansions and high-rises that scraped the sky.

Still, the stars sparkled brightly, twinkling vibrant and beautiful.

“I’m surprised you can see so well with the light.

” She took another deep breath. “I’d make a wish, but it’s too late for it to come true. ”

He frowned. “Your company?”

She nodded.

Golden specks swirled in the sapphire of his eyes, as he gazed at the water. “You may not believe it, but your company really was in trouble. At least I’m giving you the freedom to run it. If another corporation took over, you might have lost half your staff.”

She grimaced. “You threatened to transform the company into a cheesy snake oil dealer. My employees would’ve lost their positions anyways.”

He looked at the waves, said nothing.

“Oh my goodness.” She stared at him. “It was a bluff. You wouldn’t have changed anything.”

He turned back to her, his voice softer, genuine. “Maybe I’m not as ruthless as you thought.”

He wasn’t anything like she’d thought. A gentle breeze tickled her, and she wrapped her arms around herself. Alexander rubbed her back, and she involuntarily leaned closer. “Why did you deceive me?”

For a million moments, he didn’t answer. “Because I thought you’d be good for the company, of course.” Yet a catch in his voice belied the words, concealing hidden messages. This was about more than business, more than a challenge.

“What about now?” she breathed. “Since you’ve admitted you won’t change anything, I’m free to leave.”

A blazing expression denied her assertion. If she resisted his efforts, he would have found another way. “I don’t understand.” She gripped the cool metal railing. “There are a million people who would love to work with you. Why are you so anxious to keep me?”

He didn’t answer her question, instead turned to the crystal-studded sky. It was hard to believe those tiny specks were massive balls of fire and gas, millions of miles across. They were far more powerful than they looked, but so was he.

Desire hit like a sudden storm, all-encompassing and overwhelming. Silhouetted against the soft waves, he looked like a warrior prince from a faraway world. “Who are you?” she whispered.

“I’m just a man,” he repeated the assertion that grew more insufficient with every day. “Who are you to do this to me?”

Then he leaned down…

And pressed his lips to hers.

Passion detonated. The conquering warrior staked his claim, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close.

Sensual lips caressed hers, raw desire sensitizing every nerve, urging her nearer.

He kneaded her softness, branding her, marking her, tasting her .

When he gently nudged her lips with his tongue, she opened for him. She couldn’t get close enough.

But suddenly she wasn’t close at all.

He pulled back so swiftly, his grip was the only anchor preventing her from falling. Her heart galloped, as she sucked in a breath of heavy night air. What had she done? Why had he stopped?

What was he doing to her?

“I’m sorry,” he said gravely.

It was bad enough they kissed, but for him to regret it so quickly? “This was a mistake.”

“No.”

What?

He stepped forward. “Kissing you wasn’t a mistake. Kissing you while you were under the influence of alcohol was. I want you fully aware of every single moment when we do this again.”

“Again?” she whispered.

He nodded solemnly. “I would never take advantage of a woman. Please accept my apologies.”

She shook her head curtly. “There’s no need to apologize.

It’s not like I’m drunk, just lightheaded.

But it was a mistake.” She tried to move back, yet he didn’t let go.

“We’re nothing more than business partners.

You’re Alexander Stone, famous business mogul who’s friends with presidents and kings, and I run a small holistic company that sells candles and lotions.

You go to state dinners at the White House and I go to spaghetti dinners at the local chamber of commerce.

You have A-list actresses chasing after you, and I socialize at the local bowling league.

We live in completely different worlds. I can’t afford to be your distraction while you play with your new company. ”

His expression darkened. “You are not a distraction.”

“Yes, I am.” Once again, she tried to move back, and once again he stopped her.

“I’ll admit you are attractive… very attractive.

” She cleared her throat. “Yet I am not willing to serve as your local entertainment. Have you seen your picture all over the Internet?” A preliminary search had yielded thousands of results.

“You’ve been linked with dozens of women. ”

“I would never consider a woman entertainment,” he said darkly, “and just because I appear in a picture with a woman does not mean we are together. I’m always honest about what I can offer.”

“What about me?” she implored. “You act like we are already in a relationship.”

He looked at her… and said nothing.

Her heart stumbled.

She opened her mouth to respond, stopped as his attention scattered, clearly caught on something behind her.

His features tightened. “What in the world?”

She twisted and gasped.

A yacht bobbed in the water next to them, three levels high, sleek white and silver. At first glance all seemed normal… until a thick gray plume rose from the top deck.

“It’s on fire!” she cried as an orange glow illuminated wide windows. It spread rapidly, the thin plume transforming into thick billows in seconds. The scent of burning wood scorched her lungs, and the flames’ crackling overtook the roar of their own engine. Then…

A scream.

“We have to help!” Everleigh cried. She struggled in Alexander’s grip, surprising him enough to let go. She raced to the rail and had one foot on the bottom rung before he grabbed her.

“What are you doing?” he demanded.

“Swimming to the boat!” she shouted. “Someone is trapped.”

“You’re not leaving this ship.” He motioned to the water, swirling like black lava in the nighttime shadows. “You could drown. Even if you made it, how do you plan on getting aboard the boat?”

She squinted through the darkened world, pointed. “There’s a ladder!”

“And then what? You’ll pass out from smoke inhalation before you reach anyone.” He stared at the boat, took a deep breath, as if he’d come to a decision. Suddenly, he picked her up, grasping her legs and back in a single fluid movement.

“Put me down!” She struggled, but he paid her no heed as he raced toward the interior of the ship. “What are you doing? We have to help them!”

“I intend to.” He reached an opulent room decorated in sapphire and gold. “But I won’t be able to focus if I’m worried about you.” Swiftly but firmly, he deposited her on the bed, then turned.

It only took a moment to realize his plan, but it was a moment too long. Alexander lunged through the door, slamming it shut behind him. Just as she splayed her hands on the smooth wood, a click sounded. She twisted the golden knob furiously, but it was hopeless.

Alexander had locked her in.